T-MOBILE BOSS CALLS FOR PROTOUR UNITY
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Bob Stapleton, general manager of the T-Mobile cycling team, has told CW that the Grand Tour organisers, pro teams and UCI should unite and back the ProTour for the good of the sport.
?I think the objectives of the ProTour make total sense with my business and marketing background. The concept is the right one,? Stapleton said. ?The problem is, it?s not been very effective so far. I don?t think the ProTour works without the support of the Grand Tours, the Tour de France especially, and likewise I think those events are diminished without the ProTour.
?This is what I see: if you work together, you can really further the sport. If you don?t, then another fragmentation isn?t going to help, it?s not going to push the sport forward, it?s going to push it back a step, it will stay national, small. The ProTour should be a clear path towards a super league, or a Champions? League-type environment, that is really important for the sport. At its most elite level, it needs to be exciting, it needs to have the confidence of the public.
?Right now, it?s entirely divisive with mixed messages, very negative messages in some cases. Get co-operation across the teams, event organisers the UCI and you?ve got a way to really, dramatically, propel the sport, I like that upside, I like that scenario, we just have to make it happen.?
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
-
Ethan Hayter seals overall victory at Tour of Poland
The win is Hayter's first on GC at WorldTour level, and his second overall senior victory
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Dylan Teuns moves mid-season to Israel-PremierTech
Belgian rider moves to new team from Bahrain Victorious in unusual mid-season transfer
By Tom Thewlis • Published